Breeders’ Cup Diaries: A Few Favorite Photos

I’m going to be completely honest with you: the going was a little tough this morning when it came to taking photos of the Breeders’ Cup action at Keeneland since the last remnants of Hurricane Patricia decided to park right over Lexington, Ky. today.
Because of the weather, a lot of the Breeders’ Cup contenders opted to stay in the barn this morning; so what I thought I’d share with you today are a few photos I’ve taken over the last two days here at Keeneland of the Breeders’ Cup horses and festivities so far.
Ready? Let’s go!

I like this shot from this morning, which I took in the pitch dark with rain pouring down. I love how the exercise rider is wearing a big smile through all of that! That’s job satisfaction, folks.

Fans check out Breeders’ Cup info on a phone under the cover of darkness at Keeneland this morning.

I’m in love Rachel’s Valentina, who’s the daughter of superstar mare Rachel Alexandra. She’s a beast on the track, but she’s also clearly a sweetheart in the barn. She’ll be running in the Breeders’ Cup 14 Hands Winery Juvenile Fillies on Saturday, and I cannot wait!

Slumber is running in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, but he sure looked like he loved playing in the mud this morning!

Here’s Breeders’ Cup Las Vegas Dirt Mile competitor Tapiture walking around his barn yesterday afternoon. I thought the lighting in this shot was very pretty and showed off his beautiful coloring.

You can’t go wrong with American Pharoah photos, and these two show off the Triple Crown winner’s goofy side. In the first one, he’s fresh off of the van at Keeneland yesterday, and he’s already searching people’s pockets for carrots. The second, while not a very good photo technically, is a favorite of mine because he just noticed all of the people taking his picture and came over to investigate. He’s such a curious, smart horse, and it’s been a privilege to get so close to him several times this year.

I just thought this shot of a family taking in the beauty of the horses this morning was fun and pretty.

Team Keen Ice was all smiles this morning on the way to the track for the Travers Stakes winner’s first gallop on the Keeneland surface in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday.

I love this photo of Filly and Mare Sprint contender Taris and two ponies as their riders share a laugh. #SquadGoals.

Somehow the light was perfect for this photo despite the weather. I got a kick out of that! (Although sadly I was unable to identify the horse. Sorry!)

Breeders’ Cup Classic contender Frosted is always eye-catching: you can always spot those beautiful gray horses! But he was even more noticeable today as he skipped over the muddy track with a spring in his step.

Finally, a shout-out to the fans who didn’t let a little weather get between them and the enjoyment of watching Breeders’ Cup contenders train this morning at Keeneland. I was so impressed by the number of people who came out to experience the beauty of Thoroughbreds getting their morning exercise, and I hope you enjoyed a quick look at the mornings we’ve had so far.
I’ll be back with all of the action out of Keeneland tomorrow; and until then, please let me know who you’re rooting for in horse racing’s world championships!